Doctors Prescribing Antibiotics for Pink Eye Despite Guidelines
A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology has found that more than two-thirds of children and teens who visited a doctor for pink eye in the U.S. were prescribed antibiotics, despite guidelines that discourage their use for this condition. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends against routine antibiotic prescriptions for pink eye, as it is often caused by viruses that do not respond to antibiotics and bacterial infections that usually clear up on their own.
Researchers analyzed data from a nationwide database of insurance claims and found that 69% of the nearly 45,000 children treated for pink eye received antibiotic prescriptions, with doctor’s offices being the most common prescribers at 72%. Return visits for pink eye were rare, suggesting that not receiving antibiotics did not lead to complications.
Dr. Rupa Wong, a spokesperson for the ophthalmology group, noted that eye clinics may have better tools to accurately diagnose pink eye and treat it accordingly, which could explain the lower prescription rates compared to doctor’s offices and emergency rooms.
Dr. Daniel Shapiro, a co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of not overusing antibiotics, even when parents are concerned about their child’s eye infection. Wong also highlighted the effectiveness of supportive measures, such as using a chilled, wet towel and artificial tears, to alleviate symptoms without the need for antibiotic eye drops.
Overall, the study indicates a concerning trend of excessive antibiotic prescriptions for pink eye in children and teens, despite clear guidelines cautioning against their routine use. Parents are encouraged to consult with healthcare providers and consider non-antibiotic treatments for pink eye.
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